Maswanganyi in 'alpha and omega' chase as Pirates smell glory

With Orlando Pirates deep in preparation for a game set to define their Betway Premiership season, the camera lens is poised to pay special attention to Patrick Maswanganyi.

Christened ‘Tito’ by the fanbase, Maswanganyi has endeared himself to the Ghost for his ability on the ball and penchant for creating chances, while also not being shy to strike at goal himself.

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Eight goals and two assists from 25 league appearances, for a midfielder, is nothing to scoff at in a season that began with a new head coach at the helm.

That the Tembisa-born man scored the side’s first goal of the season, albeit in a 2-1 loss to Marumo Gallants in the second match of 2025/26 at Thohoyandou Stadium on 12 August last year, has become a relevant piece of information ahead of Saturday’s tie against Orbit College FC.

Bucs need a win at all costs to lift the league title ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, and goals are what they will be yearning for following a 0-0 draw against Durban City in front of an expectant Orlando Amstel Arena crowd last weekend.

Six of the eight goals the 28-year-old netted were in victories, giving the Soweto giants a 75% win ration he has been on the score sheet.

Besides the Gallants result, the other loss suffered when he scored came against Mamelodi Sundowns, where Miguel Cardoso's men opened the scoring in a 2-1 win as Maswanganyi lay down in the opposition box, with penalty appeals waved away.

The left-footed player has had a topsy-turvy season due to tough competition for starting places and the demands imposed by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, but appears to have rediscovered his Midas touch and will be pivotal at Mbombela Stadium.

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"I think he tried to find now his feet, the intensity that we are asking because the beginning of the season, maybe the way that I want to play, a little bit of high intensity," said Ouaddou after a recent match against Polokwane City.

Could the man who scored Pirates’ first goal of the season go on to crown it all with a championship-sealing strike?